Cornell Frees Himself From Audioslave

Chris Cornell made it official this week and released a prepared statement saying that he would never again perform with Audioslave.

"Due to irresolvable personality conflicts as well as musical differences, I am permanently leaving the band Audioslave," read the statement. "I wish the other three members nothing but the best in all of their future endeavors."

Rumors of the band's breakup have been rampant, with both Cornell and guitar player Tom Morello having solo efforts in the works, with Cornell's "Carry On" dropping on May 1 and Morello's effort, "One Man Revolution"--which will be released under the name The Nightwatchman. The announcement that Tom's alma mater, Rage Against The Machine, would be reuniting to play Coachella this year only helped to reinforce the breakup talk. No word yet on whether or not Rage will keep it together to play more dates, despite them having called the reunion a "one-off".